Prolactinoma
(Pituitary Tumor)

Medical Author: Robert Ferry Jr., MD
Medical Editor: Ruchi Mathur, MD, FRCP(C)

• What is a prolactinoma (pituitary tumor)?
• What is the normal function of prolactin?
• What is the pituitary gland?
• Where is the pituitary gland located?
• What problems are caused by a pituitary tumor?
• How common is a prolactinoma?
• What are the types of prolactinomas?
• What causes a prolactinoma?
• What symptoms are caused by a prolactinoma?
• Aside from a prolactinoma, what else can cause prolactin levels to rise?
• How is a prolactinoma diagnosed?
• What follow-up tests are done after a prolactinoma diagnosis?
• What are the goals of treatment of a prolactinoma?
• How is a prolactinoma treated?
• What medications are used to treat prolactinomas?
• What is the surgical treatment of a prolactinoma?
• How do I choose a skilled neurosurgeon?
• Does a prolactinoma affect pregnancy and oral contraceptives?
• Do prolactinomas affect oral contraceptives?
• Is osteoporosis a risk in women with high prolactin levels?
• Prolactinoma At A Glance

What is a prolactinoma (pituitary tumor)?

A prolactinoma is a benign tumor (called an adenoma) of the pituitary gland. A prolactinoma produces an excessive amount of the hormone prolactin. Prolactin is a natural hormone which supports a woman's normal lactation (breastfeeding). Prolactinomas are the most common type of pituitary tumor. Symptoms of prolactinoma are caused by pressure of the tumor on surrounding tissues or by excessive release of prolactin from the tumor into the blood (causing a condition known as hyperprolactinemia).

What is the normal function of prolactin?

Prolactin stimulates the breast tissues to enlarge during pregnancy. After delivery of the baby, the mother's prolactin level falls unless she breastfeeds her infant. Each time the baby nurses from the breasts, prolactin levels rise to maintain milk production.

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